Allergic and photoallergic contact dermatitis to chlorpromazine

Chlorpromazine is known to produce both systemic phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. However, it may also cause photoallergic contact dermatitis and, albeit exceptionally, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We present a series of photoallergic contact dermatitis and ACD to chlorpromazine diagnosed at a tertiary centre cutaneous allergy unit between 1980 and 2019.     

Allergic contact dermatitis to plant extracts in patients with cosmetic dermatitis

Cosmetic contact allergy is commonly seen in patients undergoing patch testing, with fragrance one of the most frequently implicated ingredients. Many cosmetics contain plant extracts either as a fragrance or for medicinal properties. With a vogue for natural products there is an increase in their use. We have performed a prospective study over a 2-year period looking at the prevalence of contact allergy to plants in patients diagnosed with cosmetic dermatitis. In addition, we have performed a review of the products of two popular cosmetic companies, examining product labelling and the prevalence of use of plant extracts. We suggest that patients allergic to fragrance be advised to avoid plant extracts, which are separately labelled, in their personal care products.     

Allergic contact dermatitis to a colophony derivative

5 patients developed acute allergic contact: dermatitis to a wood rosin present in the adhesive of tapes used to approximate the edges of incisions. The exposure history consistently included application after an orthopedic procedure with subsequent occlusion under a cast for 3 weeks.     

Allergic contact dermatitis to white petrolatum

White petrolatum is known for its nonsensitizing and nonirritating properties. Only a few cases of allergic contact dermatitis to white petrolatum have been reported. Although it is a rare event, the finding of contact sensitization to white petrolatum raises the potential problem of its usage of common topical agents or vehicles for patch testing. We herein report a case of allergic contact dermatitis to white petrolatum.     

Allergic contact dermatitis to pimecrolimus

Pimecrolimus suppresses the proinflammatory cytokine production of cutaneous T and mast cells (1). It is used to treat atopic dermatitis and is the active ingredient in the topical formulation pimecrolimus 1.0% cream (Elidel, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland).